The 19th CPC National Congress came at a key time in China's history, said a Chinese envoy speaking to an official gathering in Boston on Wednesday.

Zhang Qiyue, consul general of China in New York, said the 19th CPC National Congress is particularly significant because it was concluded at a crucial stage for China - a chance to secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society and to strive for the great success of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.

"Over the past week, a very important event took place in China - the twice-a-decade Party congress held the 19th session," Zhang said in a speech to more than 600 guests at the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House.

In attendance were state officials, representatives of the state and the city government, members of the Asian-American Caucus and business, educational and cultural leaders in the Bay State.

"It resulted in the re-election of President Xi Jinping as the Party's general secretary; also resulted in a new leadership lineup. The Party constitution was revised, and the congress set the vision, agenda and priorities for China in the coming years," Zhang said.

Ronald Mariano, the majority leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, congratulated the CPC on a successful meeting and Xi's re-election as general secretary in his speech.

Mariano said he will lead a delegation to China on Nov 28 for a weeklong visit to Beijing and other cities.

"I'm excited about going to China and seeing some important changes that are taking place now," he added.

Mariano said he was impressed by the report Xi gave, especially about lifting people out of poverty and recognizing problems such as unbalanced development and income disparity.

"China has been a leader in environmental protection for a very long time, and we as a country could take a lesson from the way they are dealing with some of their environmental issues," he added.

"It's great to see a consistency of leadership in the Chinese government as well as the ability to bring in a new leadership team to push China forward in the global economy," said Tackey Chan, Massachusetts state representative and a member of the Asian-American Caucus, which hosted the event. "And one of the biggest things China has made a strong commitment to improve the environment and become one of the leaders in the world on this."

Chan also noted China's willingness to be more open on its economy, tourism and cultural and educational exchanges.

Gene Hartigan, the co-chair of the US-China Partnership Committee, said the congress' report "sends a very clear message that reforms are going to take place, stabilization must happen; that the Chinese [currency] must be steady, and there needs to be a stronger central government".

ruinanzhang@chinadailyusa.com